1st Snow Day of the Year

Today was our first snow day here in Cincinnati! Olivia and Emma went out twice to play in the snow. Grace stayed in the first time to work on homework (she is growing up). It was also a very sad day today for Grace (really all the girls). Her rabbit, Ginger, died. Olivia and Emma played out front for most of the afternoon, but walked around back to play, and on their way, they lifted up the blanket to say "Hi" to "Gingy". Well.....Emma came running up to the door mouthing, "Ginger is DEAD!" When I went out to check, sure enough. Poor thing--both Ginger and Grace. We had a little ceremony in the back yard after Dan dug a hole back in the woods. Emma was stressed because Dan put her in a garbage bag before he put her in the ground. Later when I was collecting garbage around the house, the trash bag was at the bottom of the stairs. She stopped dead in her tracks and said very gingerly, "Is Ginger in there?" --Oh, Emma!

"Don't worry Dad, I'll get the driveway for ya'"

Grace and Olivia helping Dan with Ginger. I guess they were too upset to really help? Poor Daddy had to do it all by himself in a snowstorm!

A freezing Emma coming in from a long day playing in the snow.

Christmas in Michigan

Great Grandpa Simmons with the Hamilton girls

The first thing on Grace's list from Grammy and Papa was an ATM machine. We all got a real kick out of that, because, wouldn't we all like an ATM machine!

"Yeah, Grammy, I picked out special just for you, and I even wrapped it all by myself!"

Silly faces!

The laughing cow was a huge hit.

A tree for my display of carolers!

I think mommy has a helper in the yard this summer!

Christmas Day 2009

Here is finally a post from Christmas morning. It was our first Christmas in our new house! It was great to open presents in front of the fire and have plenty of room to spread out! The girls were very excited, not only about Santa coming, but also about the gifts they had made for each other or picked out for each other. It was a Merry Christmas!

Emma and her bouncer seat for her baby doll.

"Oh, yeah, and I got some clothes for my babies, too!"

Grace was just a little thrilled about her Vera Bradley that she so deperately wanted!

Olivia and Emma got daddy this picture he has always wanted. Grace made him a Yankee blanket for his "man cave". I didn't post a picture of the blanket-that will have to be a later post of daddy all curled up in his blanket!

The girls with the horse jewelry box they got for Olivia. (and Olivia in her Snuggie!)

I think Grace is thrilled with the soccer blanket Olivia made her!